WILDLIFE The wildlife on the Galapagos is wild and varied, with many indigenous species. Even though this is the case it is strangely lacking land mammals due to the islands never being in contact with the mainland. But this is more than made up for by the diversity of reptiles and birds. The reptiles are extreme and exotic. Bird watching is a pure joy. Here are just a few examples of the wildlife on the Galapagos: REPTILES
GECKOS, as well as the three introduced species there are six endemic species, which can be seen throughout the archipelago. SNAKES the four endemic species of snake are all constrictors and all quite small. BIRDS
THREE SPECIES OF BOOBIES the Blue Footed, the Red Footed and the Masked. THE GALAPAGOS PENGUIN is not only the world’s smallest penguin; it is also the only penguin to breed entirely in the northern hemisphere. They are mainly found on Fernandina and Isabella, but can be seen elsewhere in the islands. They breed all year round as long as there is enough food and the temperature is cool enough. CETACENS WHALES AND DOLPHINS at least 24 species of whales and dolphins frequent the waters around the Galapagos. With sightings frequently made by passengers travelling between the islands. The most famous whale visitors are Orcas, the killer whale, and the Humpback. The bottlenose dolphins can regularly be observed playing in the crystal waters. AQUATIC MAMMALS
THE GALAPAGOS FUR SEAL is the smaller of the two and can be found on more remote rocky coastlines usually next to deep water or out at sea. LAND MAMMALS RICE RATS are one of the two only species of land mammal endemic to the Galapagos. THE GALAPAGOS BAT is the other endemic species. FERAL ANIMALS RATS GOATS PIGS CATS HORSES CATTLE These animals, as well as many insects, especially fire ants, are all introduced to the islands and without exception they are a major problem. There are ongoing programmes to eradicate them some of which are seemingly working, only time will tell. |